Product classification
HS code for Rail tank wagons: 8606.10
Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons, tank wagons and the like, not self-propelled.
Classification of rail tank wagons under HS 8606.10
Rail tank wagons are classified under HS code 8606.10. This classification is found within Chapter 86, which covers railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock, and parts thereof. Heading 8606 specifically addresses railway or tramway goods vans and wagons that are not self-propelled. Within this heading, subheading 8606.10 is reserved for \"tank wagons and the like.\" These vehicles are specialized rolling stock designed for the bulk transport of liquids, liquefied gases, or certain powdered materials. The defining characteristic of a tank wagon is the presence of a large, sealed vessel or tank mounted permanently or semi-permanently onto a rail chassis. These wagons are not self-propelled, meaning they require a locomotive for movement. The classification is determined by the vehicle's primary function as a freight carrier and its specific design for fluid or bulk cargo. Under the Harmonized System, the classification of rolling stock depends heavily on whether the vehicle is powered (self-propelled) or hauled. Since tank wagons are hauled goods wagons, they are excluded from headings 8601 through 8603. Furthermore, they are distinguished from general freight wagons (like boxcars or flatcars) by the specific subheading 8606.10. This classification applies to the entire vehicle assembly, including the chassis, bogies, and the tank itself.
- Covers
- Railroad tank cars for petroleum
- Chemical transport rail wagons
- Liquefied gas rail tankers
- Milk or food-grade liquid rail wagons
- Bulk powder tank wagons
- Also under 8606.10
- GATX tank cars
- VTG tank wagons
- Greenbrier tank cars
- CRRC tank wagons
- ERMEWA tank wagons
Codes often confused with 8606.10
Common mistake. Rail tank wagons are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8603 if they are mistakenly thought to be self-propelled. They may also be confused with road-going tank trailers (HS code 8716.31) or intermodal tank containers (HS code 8609.00), which are designed for multiple modes of transport rather than being dedicated rail wagons.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860610 (the code used for rail tank wagons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860610 (the code used for rail tank wagons) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 41% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 860610, not only rail tank wagons.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $621M 49% of world exports
- 2 United States $235M 19% of world exports
- 3 Bulgaria $60M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $291M 41% of world imports
- 2 Germany $136M 19% of world imports
- 3 Kazakhstan $60M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $717M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for rail tank wagons
Brazil classifies rail tank wagons under NCM 8606.10.00: HS 8606.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rail tank wagons
What is the HS code for Rail tank wagons?
The HS code for Rail tank wagons is 860610 (Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; tank wagons and the like, not self-propelled). The HS code for rail tank wagons is 8606.10, specifically for non-self-propelled railway goods wagons.
How do I classify Rail tank wagons for customs?
Rail tank wagons is classified under HS code 860610 — Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; tank wagons and the like, not self-propelled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the tank only?
No, 8606.10 refers to the complete wagon. If only the tank is being shipped without the rail chassis, it may be classified under Chapter 73 as a container.
Which countries are the top exporters of rail tank wagons (HS 860610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860610 (the code used for rail tank wagons) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($621M, 49% of world exports), the United States ($235M) and Bulgaria ($60M). World exports came to about $1.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of rail tank wagons (HS 860610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860610 (the code used for rail tank wagons) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($291M, 41% of world imports), Germany ($136M) and Kazakhstan ($60M). World imports came to about $717M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Rail tank wagons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860610 for Rail tank wagons is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for rail tank wagons in Brazil?
In Brazil, rail tank wagons (HS 860610) is classified under NCM 8606.10.00.